Why do car fuses blow?

A:

Quick Answer

Car fuses blow for a variety of reasons, but the most frequent causes are shorts in the electrical system and wear and tear on the fuse. The most common car accessories that have fuses blow are the ones controlling the interior and exterior lighting, the climate settings, and the radio.

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To see if a fuse has blown, the first step is to consult the owner's manual. The location of the box and the assigned circuit for each fuse should appear in a diagram in the manual. Most newer cars allow removal of the fuse box lid by hand or with a flat head screwdriver. Some fuses are designed to come out by hand, while others require a pair of tweezers or a smaller pair of needle-nose pliers. Inspect each fuse visually, and replace as necessary.

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There are several different problems that might cause a car to stop running or stall while it is being driven; however, according to CarsDirect, the three most likely culprits are issues with the electrical system, fuel system or vacuum system. A variety of issues anywhere along the line could cause your car to stall out while idling, or even in the middle of being driven.

Car batteries die for a variety of reasons, from general age or cold temperatures freezing battery fluid to corrosion and overuse. In most cases, factors contributing to a dying battery are easily remedied. However, batteries tend to have a life of no more than 10 years, and there comes a time when the best measure is to replace an old battery.

A car fuse breaks, or "blows," when its amperage rating has been exceeded. Repeated breaks may indicate that the replacement fuses do not have the proper rating or that the fuse is connected to an overloaded circuit.